Out & About

How to give your dog his confidence back when he's been upset or disturbed by another dog, by expert trainer Ben Randall

A visiting dog upsetting your own pet can create problems which are hard to break. Ben Randall explains what to do.

The changing face of Britain's favourite dogs, decade by decade

Partial to a poodle? Loopy about labradors? Cuckoo for cocker spaniels? You are not alone, says Victoria Marston, as she discovers the nation’s favourite dog breeds, decade by decade, using figures from the Kennel Club.

The three dog breeds that make the ultimate family pet, according to expert trainer Ben Randall

In decades of working with dogs, Ben Randall has seen every possible breed of dog — these are the three he'd recommend for family life.

Puppy aggression: How to nip it in the bud before it becomes a problem, by award-winning trainer Ben Randall

A reader whose lovely puppy is starting to show worrying behaviour writes — and Ben Randall has some expert advice.

'Stonehenge of the North' saved for the nation

The future of the Neolithic site at Thornborough Henges — which has been dubbed 'The Stonehenge of the North' — has been secured, and the site saved for the nation. Annunciata Elwes reports.

A walk around St Albans and its cathedral — a 'welcoming place, and proud of it'

Fiona Reynolds explores the ancient city of St Albans to discover how its cathedral connects with the people and geography of the surrounding area.

The 10 most romantic declarations of love in film and literature

Stonehenge, Avebury and the stone circles of Britain, with Professor Vicki Cummings

One of Britain's top experts on stone circles, Professor Vicki Cummings, joins the Country Life podcast.

How to deal with a dog who is scared of men, by expert trainer Ben Randall

This week, our A-list dog trainer Ben Randall deals with a tricky topic: an adopted dog who seems to be dealing with past trauma involving men.

The worst-behaved pets in Britain: 'They would grab a cigarette briskly from your lips and fly around the room with it'

From leopards in the dining room and jackdaws in the kitchen to demonic dogs, crazed cats and the ferret who broke into a nursery, Bronwen Riley presents a whodunnit of the worst-behaved pets in the history of British country houses.

How to teach a dog to sit: Five tips from leading dog trainer Ben Randall

Teaching your dog to sit is one of the most important things you can do — and it will help with all sorts of other commands. Ben Randall explains how to get your dog to do it, every time.

Curious Questions: Who created the Oxford English Dictionary?

Martin Fone, who has long been fascinated by words, digs in to the story of how Sir James Murray created the first Oxford English Dictionary — despite having a full-time job and 11 children — and ended up having his own special post box.

Fit for a (very small) queen — a dolls' house with running water, electricity and working lifts

Queen Mary's Dolls' House celebrates its 100th anniversary with a brand new exhibition and a reimagined display at Windsor Castle.

Burns Night: What it is, where to go, what to do if you want to play host

Burns Night has been celebrated for well over 200 years – here's everything you need to know about celebrating Scotland's national poet.

How to keep your dog healthy and having fun in the coldest depths of winter, by award-winning trainer Ben Randall

Snow, ice and freezing conditions throw up both challenges and opportunities for fun if you're a dog owner. Ben Randall explains how to make the most of this beautiful time of year while keeping your pet safe and healthy.

Curious Questions: Why does the weather keep getting colder even when the days start getting longer?

The coldest months of the year in Britain are always January and February — despite the fact that we're getting more sunshine and daylight than we do during December. Martin Fone investigates why the weather gets colder even though the days are getting longer.

'My dog keeps barking at my sister — what can I do?' Canine agony uncle Ben Randall has the answer

The A-list dog trainer Ben Randall shares his advice on how to deal with a dog who's taken against someone important in your life.

Why does BBC Radio 4 broadcast 'the pips' at the top of the hour?

The Greenwich Time Signal has been an ubiquitous part of BBC Radio for a century, but few know what it really is and where it came from

How to exercise with your dog, by expert trainer Ben Randall

The new year often brings with it a new focus on health and keeping active. Ben Randall explains how you can help make your dog a part of your fitness regime.

How to tie the only knots you'll ever need

The 'Surrey Six' is a collection of ways to tie rope that, for most people, are the only six knots you'll ever need. Agnes Stamp tries her hand at tying them, and looks in to the lore of knot tying.